Christina Nicole "Chrissy" Edwards, 43, of Quincy, was called to her Lord's heavenly home at 2:59 a.m. Friday (January 27, 2017) in Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri.

Chrissy may have been non-verbal, but she spoke with her eyes and by pointing and made up her own sign language for donuts, chips, Aunt Linda, Nancy and Megan. She was not a special needs child, but was a special gift from God.

Born March 11, 1973, in Pittsfield, Illinois, Chrissy was the daughter of Roger and Marcia Behrens Edwards. When she was born, Chrissy's family was told she wouldn't live to be more than one or two years old. Because of the extraordinary loving care from her family and the tremendous love, support and prayers from her church family and friends, Chrissy became God's miracle child, living well into adulthood. She touched so many lives in her lifetime.

Chrissy was a member of Madison Park Christian Church. Among her very favorite things were her beloved Aunt Linda, M & M's, Camp Callahan, having her fingernails painted, swimming, dancing and children. Chrissy's spirit and courage was an inspiration to everyone who knew her. She was an inspiration to the Quincy Shrine Club who was honored to have Christina as their poster child.

Chrissy attended Transistions from age 3 until she was enrolled in the TMH program in the Quincy Public Schools. She was a 1995 graduate of Quincy High School. She returned to Transistions and was currently in the DPT program.

Survivors include her parents, Roger and Marcia Edwards; two sisters, Lori Klusman and Lisa Job (Stacey); her Aunt Linda; as well as many other loving Aunt, Uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and her special caregiver for 20 years, Terri Heinecke. The family also gives their special thanks to Mike and Pam Nobis who brought Lori and Lisa to the Hospital to say goodbye to Chrissy.

Chrissy was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents.

A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday morning at 10:30 in Madison Park Christian Church with Pastor Larry Smith and Pastor Chuck Sackett officiating. Burial will be in Greenmount Cemetery.

Visitation will be Monday evening from 4:00 until 7:00 at Madison Park Christian Church and Tuesday morning from 10:00 until the time of services at the church.

The Zehender Robinson Stormer Cookson Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Memorials may be made to Madison Park Christian Church or Camp Callahan.

I went to Terri's daycare until I was 12 years old, and I remember seeing Chrissy there all the time. She was sweet and kind, would never hurt a fly and almost always had a smile. God sent this angel to Earth for us to experience what a wonderful, sweet person she was. I always enjoyed seeing her, and she loved all the kids that passed through Terri's over the years. You could see that clear as day. I'm very saddened he called his angel back to him, but he works in mysterious ways. I'm so sorry for your loss, and my thoughts and prayers will be with her family and friends through these trying times. God bless this wonderful woman, who was taken too soon.

Kathryn Shipley

Posted Sat January 28, 2017

I didn't know Christina but I felt like I did through the wonderful comments that her cousin Sheila Wade post about her as well as her courage strength and love for life. Blessings to all of the family!

Terri Heinecke

Posted Sat January 28, 2017

Your spirit lives on. You've taught so many of my kids never to be a bully to kids with disabilities. You've been an ANGEL on earth for 43 years. Love the family like you are my family always. Sending ask my love. Terri Heinecke

Judy Huber

Posted Sat January 28, 2017

To Roger, Marcia & Linda & family, As your lives were forever changed at Christina's birth. Your lives will be forever changed with her going home. As we recall all the lives she has touched And recall too all the experiences of her in our memories, Her Spirit lives on. And we have been "blessed" to have known her as well. Peace & Everything Good, Judy